The Sabres didn't have much going offensively but caught a break to cut the Red Wings' lead to 2-1 with 7:24 left on a goal by Zemgus Girgensons.

Howard attempted to clear the puck behind the net but it deflected off of Brian Flynn and bounced in front to Girgensons, who buried it.

Samuelsson and Datsyuk scored 36 seconds apart in the first period to give the Red Wings a 2-0 lead.

An unlikely combination teamed up for the Red Wings' first goal of the season. Samuelsson drove the middle of the ice and redirected a pass from Cory Emmerton past Ryan Miller at 12:05.

It was Samuelsson's first regular season goal since April 7, 2012, when he played for Florida. He was limited to four games last season due to a variety of injuries.

Emmerton appeared to have played his final game as a Red Wing after the club waived him on Sunday, due to its roster crunch and lack of salary-cap space. But he cleared waivers on Monday and the team was able to keep him on the roster after placing Patrick Eaves on long-term injured reserve.

Datsyuk scored unassisted at 12:41. He stick-handled into the slot, avoiding traffic and fired in a backhand shot.

The Red Wings did an excellent job killing a five-on-three power play that lasted for 1:31 earlier in the period. They limited Buffalo to two shots. Joakim Andersson, the lone forward on the ice during much of that time, blocked a shot and spearheaded the kill.

The Red Wings killed a five-on-three that lasted 51 seconds in the second period, which was scoreless.

Detroit had the best scoring chance, but Miller denied Emmerton on a penalty shot. Emmerton was awarded the shot at 12:19 after being tripped by Thomas Vanek on a breakaway.

An apparent goal by Todd Bertuzzi was waved off at 11:25 when officials ruled that Daniel Cleary interfered with Miller. Cleary was sent to the penalty box.